Harry and Clarissa (Edwards) Ketcham (2002)
A constant theme in Greenville’s local history is the contribution of a person or couple who has made Greenville home. Harry and Clarissa Ketcham embody that tradition.
Harry Mack Ketcham, or Prof, was born in Brooklyn in 1910 but lived most of his growing up years in Vermont. He graduated from Leland & Grey Seminary in Townshend, Vermont, and then Vermont State school of Agriculture, and next from the University of Vermont in 1940. He grew up on his dad’s dairy farm, and was employed by the Farm Bureau in Brattleboro.
Clarissa Leslie Edwards, or Cris, was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, in 1912. She graduated from Brattleboro public schools in 1930, YWCA school of Domestic Science in 1933, YWCA school of Domestic Art in 1934, and in 1938 from Keene, NH, Teacher’s College with a BE degree in Home Economics. She taught for two years at Charlestown, New Hampshire.
Prof and Cris met on a blind date in 1937 and married in 1940 in Brattleboro. Prof’s first job was at the Greenville Central school District, succeeding Leonard Palmer as Ag teacher. They settled into and fixed up a house on Irving Road where Cris still lives. For children – Clarissa, Stuart, Henry, and Harry – filled in the kitchen family.
Harry’s influence was especially felt at GCS where he taught agriculture for almost three decades. Many a country boy learned not only agriculture in Prof’s classes but also how to conduct oneself in life. Judging quality, maintaining discipline, and working together applied not only in class but later in life. In addition to leading the Future Farmers of America club at Greenville, Prof helped a variety of students complete and hold their own in state, regional and national contests.
Harry’s interest lay not only with teaching. He was a town committeeman for Cooperative Extension and served as a Tax Assessor for Greenville. He would earn his Master’s Degree from Cornell while running his hobby farm. Prof was known for many a good deed for a neighbor or person in need.
Cris contributed to Greenville in ways felt today also. She served as a 4-H leader and instructor, as well as a temporary assistant 4-H County Agent. She was a member of the Concordia Circle and substitute taught at school.
One of Cris’s passions was genealogy and, as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, became organizing Regent of the Johannes Hardenbergh Chapter and served both as NSDAR State Vice Chairman of Genealogical Records and as NY State Custodian. She is also active in a half-dozen other lineage societies.
Both Harry and Cris were members of the Presbyterian Church, and a history of the second half of the 20th century of this church would certainly have to cite the Ketchams. Both served as Clerks of the Session, and Cris was instrumental in the 1990 restoration of the church steeple/belfry. Earlier, in 1985, Cris had completed their research and paperwork that enabled the church to be placed on the National and State Registers for Historical Preservation. Also on the registers are the Public Library and Village Pond, all part of the land grant given by Augustine Prevost to Greenville.
Harry’s death in 1984 ended his active contribution to Greenville; many will continue to recount what he taught and practiced. Cris continues her list of endeavors for Greenville. Although both Harry and Cris link their ancestry to some other place, the Greenville area is a better and richer place for their community efforts over the past sixty years. For this, the Greenville Local History Group recognizes Harry and Clarissa Ketcham.
- by Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian